Real-world studies of Ozempic show efficacy and weight reduction in type 2 diabetes.- Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk announced results from two real-world studies: EXPERT, which confirms the efficacy Ozempic (once–weekly semaglutide) demonstrated in the SUSTAIN clinical trial programme, and PATHWAY, which supports recommendations in clinical guidelines by showing that initiation of a GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) helps people with type 2 diabetes reach their blood sugar goals (measured by HbA1c) while also losing weight. The EXPERT study showed that a switch to Ozempic from another GLP-1 RA in people with type 2 diabetes was associated with statistically significant reductions in blood sugar and weight, independent of the previous GLP-1 RA used.

After 6 months, the study showed HbA1c reductions of 2.2% for people with HbA1c levels above 9% at baseline and HbA1c reductions of 1.1% for those with HbA1c levels above 7% at baseline. These reductions were sustained after 12 months. Average weight loss of 2.2 kg was observed at 6 months, but was more pronounced with 3.5 kg at 12 months, for all participants.

A second real-world study, PATHWAY, pointed to the increased effectiveness of the GLP-1 RA class compared with other oral antidiabetic drugs or insulin in people with type 2 diabetes on two oral antidiabetic drugs requiring treatment intensification. Ozempic was not one of the GLP-1 RA treatments given at intensification because the study data were collated before Ozempic was fully established on the US market.

The PATHWAY study showed that intensifying treatment with a GLP-1 RA resulted in a statistically significant increased likelihood of achieving HbA1c below 7% and weight reduction from baseline compared with adding a further oral antidiabetic(s). These blood glucose and weight reductions were more pronounced compared with insulin intensification, where those taking a GLP-1 RA were almost twice as likely to achieve HbA1c below 7% and approximately three times more likely to lose weight. These studies, which analysed data from US databases, were presented during the American Diabetes Association 80th Scientific Sessions.